Finding Peace In Troubled Times - Pt. 1 Devotional

Want to take Sunday's message with you further into the week?  Want to discuss Sunday's message with your small group?  The following weekly devotional is written Debi Edwards, who attends Riverview Community Church.

THE OPPOSITE OF WANT 

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Ps. 23:1

David, the writer of this Psalm, was a shepherd before he became King of Israel. He knew first-hand the all- consuming demands of shepherding.

The shepherd was on duty 24/7, constantly working to assure the well-being of his flock. He was responsible for leading his flock to green pastures and quiet streams, keeping his charges well-fed and hydrated. The shepherd was always alert to the danger of predators.* He was ever-present, through sunny days and stormy nights, level pastures and rocky terrain, birthing ewes and calming nervous lambs. A good shepherd would name each sheep and expect them to willingly follow when he called.
The Good Shepherd, Jesus, has chosen you to be a part of His flock. The Lord has called you by name, out of the lost and lonely, to experience His constant presence. We do not choose our Shepherd. He will lead you through the sunny and rainy days, the smooth and rocky roads of life’s journey. The Good Shepherd protects you from harm, keeping constant watch over you. Nothing gets by Him, as he sits at the gate of the sheep pen.** The good Shepherd laid down His life for you. He provides for all your needs and grants the desire of your heart - peace. And Peace is the opposite of want.
* 1 SAMUEL 17:33-35 **JOHN 10:1-18

APPLICATION QUESTIONS 
1. How does peace change your outlook or attitude?
2. What or who are you following? Has that relationship resulted in Peace?
3. Have you heard the Good Shepherd call your name? How did you respond?
4. From what circumstances/lifestyle/relationships, etc. did the Good Shepherd call you out?
5. What has changed in your life, since you heard the Shepherd call you?
6. Write about a time the Good Shepherd provided, protected or led you.

PRAYER
My Shepherd God, thank you for making me one of your sheep. I praise you for being my Good Shepherd, I admit there are times when I don’t appreciate all you as my Shepherd. Forgive me for being selfish and rebellious. I am so grateful for your for your Grace and Mercy, for allowing me to continue in your ways. Thank you for giving me peace, for watching over me and leading me through difficult circumstances. Today, give me a willing heart to follow you, My Good Shepherd, wherever you lead.